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Indianapolis teen arrested for drug possession and driving without a license after traffic stop on U.S. 31

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 9:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

A 19-year-old Indianapolis man was arrested Saturday evening after a routine traffic stop for speeding led to the discovery of marijuana and the revelation that he had never obtained a driver's license.

According to a news release from Deputy Matt Geiger of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, the incident occurred on April 25, at approximately 7:53 p.m. A county officer initiated a traffic stop on a black Ford passenger car traveling on U.S. 31 near the area of 12 B Road due to a speeding violation.

During the stop, the driver was identified as Kenneth J. Baptiste, 19, of Indianapolis. Investigating officers quickly determined that Baptiste had never been issued a driver's license. A subsequent search also revealed that he had marijuana on his person.

Baptiste was taken into custody and transported to the Marshall County Jail. He was booked on charges of operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license and possession of marijuana and held on a $250 cash bond.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed, and there is only probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings, entitled to be represented by counsel, and entitled to a trial jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.

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